Osu,
The onion layers is always a useful metaphor.
IMHO,it has been worthwhile to go from the whole, layer by layer, to the reductionistic nothingness at the center.
One higher layer beyond the skin is nothingness.
One reductionistic layer below the center is nothingness.
Agreed, a lot of tears, and some good seasoning of the meals shared with friends.
Nice column. Well said. Compliments and appreciation.
Rei, Domo.

Thank you Lynn. I'm always honored to have your eyes on my work, and even more so by your thoughtful comments.

I've long thought that in aikido we move from the domain of matter and energy into that of space and time. And from thence to thought, emotion, perception...